William paused on the threshold of the enormous hall adorned for the banquet, suddenly ill at ease.
After the outcome of the vote, he spent the next three days packing his belongings and arranging his return home. The idea of working in his hometown was not unpleasant, but William would rather have remained at court, at the prince's side. He felt that was where he belonged.
But he could not ask him to go against the entire Council just for him. He would not be that selfish. After all, it was his fault they had ended up in that mess.
That evening would be his last banquet. Two days later, he would leave, never to return.
The hall was crowded with nobles and officials, ministers and some off-duty palace guards. Last time, not all those people had been invited, and now William felt like prey among predators.
He swallowed, uncertain even how to behave. Where was he supposed to sit? Would someone show him his seat, or was he expected to know on his own?
But then, was it really right for him to be there? Soon, after all, this would no longer be his home.
"Master Traver!"
William flinched and turned around. The chamberlain was smiling at him kindly.
"My, my, you look frightened."
"There are many people. I'm not used to it."
The man patted his arm. "Come with me. I'll take you to your seat."
He led him toward one of the side tables, and William followed.
"Last time there were fewer guests," he murmured, hoping no one else would hear.
"You mean the banquet in honor of His Highness's return from Narea?"
"Yes."
"On that occasion, His Majesty had requested that only the advisors and the most influential nobles be invited, but usually the banquets are this… lively."
"Is there an anniversary or a special occasion?"
The chamberlain gave him a polite smile. "Haven't you heard? It seems that His Highness has decided to seek a consort."
William stopped, his chest tightening with pain. He knew it would happen sooner or later; he had even fooled himself into thinking he was ready. But it had only been a lie. The truth was that he didn't want him to look at anyone else.
The chamberlain cast him a puzzled glance. "Master Traver?"
"He hadn't told me."
"Perhaps he didn't want to burden you with work, now that you are busy with preparations for your departure."
"I suppose so. His Highness is always very considerate toward me."
"I am sorry, Master Traver. I was starting to grow fond of you. You are a good man, and you seem to have a good influence on the prince. Your departure saddens me greatly, and the staff as well."
William lowered his head. "I don't think so. I am not a pleasant person."
"Why do you say that? You are gloomy and quiet, but you never forget to say thank you and to treat others with courtesy. If all nobles were like you, this court would be a more pleasant place."
"Thank you."
"Speaking of which, I must apologize to you. I know you didn't have a pleasant arrival at court, and I failed to make you feel at ease."
"It is not your fault."
"It is, in part. My duty is to make sure the palace runs properly and that its inhabitants have a comfortable life. With you, I fear I have fallen short more than once."
"You treated me kindly. I am grateful."
The chamberlain smiled and placed a hand on his back. "I know what they say about you at court, but we are not all like some nobles. And I truly hope you may return here someday."
He escorted him to his seat at one of the side tables, then disappeared into the crowd of guests who were taking their places.
William looked around, uneasy once more. On one side of the hall, above a raised platform, was the main table, where the royal family would sit.
Where the prince would sit.
"Good evening, William." Lord Amato patted his shoulder. "I see they placed you at our table."
"Your table?"
"The advisors' table."
"There must be a mistake. I am no longer a member of the Council."
Lord Amato made a small grimace. "Indeed, a real shame. Someone shouldn't have behaved like an ill-mannered child."
William frowned. Was he talking about Nikolas?
"Anyway," the advisor continued, "I expected you and the prince to put up more resistance. I must admit I was a little disappointed."
"There is no point in insisting on it. I'm not welcome, and His Highness cannot make an enemy of the entire Council."
"I would have supported him."
"But you are alone."
"Or perhaps not. You didn't even try."
Lord Amato nudged him into the first chair and took his place at his right. Little by little, the other advisors joined them. Those who had voted for him a few days earlier offered their support; the others only gave him polite nods.
Nikolas shot him a look William couldn't understand, and sat on the opposite side. It was as if he didn't even want to share the same air. He must still have been angry or offended about the punch William had given him.
"Haven't you left yet, mage?" asked Ballard.
"I need time to pack my personal belongings. His Majesty has granted me a week, but I should be leaving in a couple of days."
"Then you won't miss tonight's grand announcement." His smile turned mocking. "It seems the prince has decided to seek a consort."
"I heard. The chamberlain mentioned it to me a short while ago."
"What do you think?"
William forced a smile. "I am very happy for His Highness, of course. I have no doubt he will choose a woman of moral standing and great intelligence."
"Oh, I'm sure of it. A refined woman, perhaps, capable of bringing luster to the kingdom and supporting him in all he needs." Ballard placed a jeweled hand on his shoulder. "By the way, I heard about a recent quarrel with Nikolas. Something about an old story between the two of you…"
"What do you want from me?"
"Nothing. It was only an innocent question, mage."
He gave him a pat on the shoulder and moved away toward the end of the table.
"What an asshole," muttered one of the advisors.
Lord Amato smiled. "Someone must have slipped snakes into his trousers to make him so unpleasant."
A light chuckle spread along that side of the table, but faded as silence fell over the hall. All the guests had taken their seats and turned their gazes toward the open doors.
The royal family made their entrance, and the entire court rose and bowed.
The prince was beautiful, perhaps more than usual. The dark blue ceremonial attire highlighted his fair hair and sun-kissed skin, and emphasized his trained build and broad shoulders.
William dared to look at him, and their gazes met. For a moment, William thought his smile had softened.
The royal family took their places at the high table on the dais, then the king signaled for those present to sit, and chatter once again filled the air. Servants began bringing dishes and filling the goblets with wine.
William was not very hungry and merely picked at the food, half-listening to the other advisors' conversations. From time to time, however, he could not stop himself from looking at the prince, only to realize that the prince had done the same.
The faint clink of a knife against a goblet brought silence down over the room. The king rose from his chair.
"Tonight we are gathered here to witness an announcement I have awaited for a long time." He turned toward the prince. "My son, the future sun of Vellara, has decided to choose a consort to whom he will swear love and devotion. I am certain the fortunate bride will be more than worthy to sit on the throne of this kingdom."
Polite applause spread through the hall, and the prince stood.
"Thank you, Father, and thank you all for being here tonight. However, if I am here today, it is only thanks to one person in particular who has stood by me and guided me with patience. My Court Mage, William Traver."
William's eyes widened, and the prince smiled.
"William is the most stubborn, uncompromising, and sincere man I have ever met. You have no idea how many times he has scolded me because I wasn't holding the pen correctly."
A light laugh spread through the hall.
"But being with him has opened my eyes to who I am and who I want to become. If I stand here today changed, it is only thanks to him." He had a servant refill his goblet. "Will, I will become a good king for you as well."
William smiled and bowed. "You will shine brighter than the sun itself and bring a long age of abundance throughout the kingdom."
The prince raised his goblet in a toast and drank a long swallow. A fit of coughing bent him over; the goblet slipped from his hand and shattered on the floor. He braced himself on the table with both hands and vomited blood.
Princess Myrina screamed, and the unnatural silence that had fallen over the hall shattered into frantic cries, panic, and incomprehensible orders.
A strange sensation tightened William's throat, slipping into his body, dark and corrupting.
"He has been poisoned."